Road Trips from City of Gary, IN
You're looking for a quick escape from Gary, IN. The good news is, you've got options for both short hops and longer drives. For a fast trip, Portage is just 12 miles away, perfect for a few hours out. If you're up for more driving, there are several destinations around 3 hours away with a drive score of 10, mostly on highways. All these routes include access to Indiana Dunes National Park, making nature a central theme for any trip you choose.
Total Routes
19
Shortest
0.3h
With Parks Nearby
15
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
12 total in this range
Fairview Park, IN
3h 7m150.1 mi one way
This route is a longer drive at 3.1 hours, covering 150 miles. It features mostly highway driving and a drive score of 10. Like other options, it offers access to Indiana Dunes National Park. The mostly flat terrain makes for a straightforward journey.
Terre Haute, IN
3h 30m165.5 mi one way
Terre Haute is a 3.5-hour drive, covering 165.5 miles. It's primarily a highway route with a top drive score of 10. You'll also have access to Indiana Dunes National Park. This is one of the longer drives, offering more time on the road.
Bainbridge, IN
3h 4m142.5 mi one way
This trip to Bainbridge is 3.1 hours and 142.5 miles. The route offers a mix of highway and surface roads with a drive score of 10. Indiana Dunes National Park is accessible from this route, and the varied terrain makes for an interesting drive.
Highland, IN
3h 1m142.8 mi one way
Highland is a 3-hour drive, 142.8 miles, mostly on highways with a strong drive score of 9. You get access to Indiana Dunes National Park. This is a good middle-ground option for distance and driving conditions.
Mount Vernon, IN
2h 59m133 mi one way
Mount Vernon is 133 miles, taking about 3 hours. The drive is a mix of highway and surface roads, with a drive score of 9. Indiana Dunes National Park is nearby. It's a balanced choice for time and road type.
Weekend trip
6 total in this range
Austin, IN
4h 21m230.2 mi one way
Austin is a longer haul at 4.4 hours and 230.2 miles. The route is mixed highway and surface roads with a drive score of 10. Indiana Dunes National Park is accessible. This is one of the furthest options, offering an extended drive.
Osgood, IN
4h 18m223.7 mi one way
This drive to Osgood is 4.3 hours and 233.7 miles. It's a mixed highway and surface road route with a drive score of 10. Indiana Dunes National Park is available. Like other longer trips, it provides a substantial drive.
Bright, IN
4h 37m243.6 mi one way
Bright is over 4.5 hours away, covering 243.6 miles. The route uses a mix of highway and surface roads and scores a 10 for driving. Indiana Dunes National Park is accessible. This is the longest option, best if you want to maximize driving time.
Bloomfield, IN
4h 24m229.4 mi one way
Bloomfield is a 4.4-hour drive, 229.4 miles, with mixed highway and surface roads and a drive score of 10. Indiana Dunes National Park is accessible. This is another one of the longer routes available.
Orange, IN
4h 10m206 mi one way
The drive to Orange is 4.2 hours and 206 miles. This route leans towards surface roads and has a drive score of 9. Indiana Dunes National Park is accessible. It's a longer trip, but primarily on surface roads.
Browse by Mood
Fairview Park, IN
3h 7m150.1 mi one way
Terre Haute, IN
3h 30m165.5 mi one way
Austin, IN
4h 21m230.2 mi one way
Osgood, IN
4h 18m223.7 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With access to Indiana Dunes National Park and mostly flat terrain on longer routes, spring offers pleasant driving conditions for exploring.
Summer
The summer months are ideal for enjoying Indiana Dunes National Park, as all routes provide access to this natural area.
Fall
Fall foliage can be enjoyed along the routes, especially those with mixed highway and surface roads, and parks remain accessible.
Winter
Winter driving conditions vary, but access to Indiana Dunes National Park is available year-round on most routes, though park activities may be limited.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the City of Gary, IN city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.